Taron, a Hardy Nutritionals scientist discusses certain patient history factors that may have an impact on the efficacy of micronutrients for some.
Antibiotic use, especially frequent and heavy antibiotic use can lead to bowel issues such as microflora imbalances which can negatively impact the absorption of micronutrients. In these cases, the gut will need to be balanced in order to improve digestion. We recommend using Olive Leaf Extract and Greens & Probiotics to help restore gut balance in these cases.
Certain genetic factors, such as COMT or MTHFR, may play a role in an individual's health which can result in the need for specialized nutrients such as methylated vitamins. The ingredients in Daily Essential Nutrients include methlated folate as well as the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12.
Prior drug use (both psychiatric and street drugs) have an effect on the central nervous system. We have found that when individuals take micronutrients concurrently with drugs, we tend to see a potentiation of the drug effect. The nutrients can cause a pervasive upregulation of the central nervous system function. When a drug is present, we see a magnification of that action. Several nutrients and multiple drugs are metabolized through the same CYP450 enzymes, which leads to a competition effect which tends to elevate the concentration which can add to the increase in side effect profile of the drug. In these cases, we recommend watching for adverse drug reactions and titrating down on the drug dosage and up on the micronutrients over time. Our Balanced Free Form Aminos can be a very beneficial supportive tool during this process, especially when it comes to withdrawal symptoms.
Individuals with sensitivities to certain vitamins or minerals may require a lower dosage of the micronutrients.
Those suffering from brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases like parkinsons or alzheimers typically respond well to the micronutrients over time, especially when it comes to mood balance. We do find that the response is slower and perhaps less complete if the disease is advanced before the nutrients therapy begins.
Those who have had electroconvulsive therapy often have a slower response to the nutrients than those who hadn't, but occasionally patients with a history of ECT reatments can respond very well to the micronutrients.
Some individuals who suffer from epilepsy have experienced a positive effect from the micronutrients and some have seen no difference in their epileptic pattern.
For more information on limiting factors, see our Clinical Reference.